Crisp in Friday’s lineup vs. Seattle

Steve Kroner subbing for Susan Slusser for the opening game of the final regular-season homestand:

A’s manager Bob Melvin held off making his lineup to face Seattle right-hander Blake Beavan (10-10, 4.64 ERA) until after Coco Crisp took batting practice. Crisp, who has missed much of the past two weeks with an eye infection, apparently got through BP in good enough shape because he’s in his usual leadoff spot and playing center field.

A few other items: Melvin addressed the possibility of replacing Travis Blackley for Tuesday’s game, considering Blackley struggled in both of his starts on the road trip.

“I think you’re always looking at potential ways to upgrade or do better in what you’ve done,” Melvin said, “but he’s also been pretty good for us. Just because he’s had a couple of tough outings doesn’t mean that we’re not still confident in him. So as we sit here right now, we’re staying in rotation.”

The A’s announced that Jonny Gomes has won the Dave Stewart Community Service Award. A Petaluma native, Gomes did a lot for his city’s Little League team as it made it to Williamsport, Pa. Gomes also supports charitable causes. He figures he’s simply doing the right thing.

“I think it should be in the job description or should be in the title of being a professional athlete,” Gomes said. “I think you have so many avenues, once you get to the top, to be able to help people out. I know I have a chip on my shoulder, but I’ve been in situations growing up where I probably needed some help – and I never got help. It was fend for yourself. It made me the person I am today, but when I was doing it, I wish I wouldn’t have had to have done it. It’s an honor to give back.”